News
UAE Starts Relying On Emirates ID As Proof Of Residency
Both citizens and residents can look forward to a number of benefits, including easier access to government services, less time spent at airports, and more.

From April 11, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has started relying on Emirates ID as proof of residency, suspending the issuance of residence visa stamps.
Emirates ID is a smart identity card issued by Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship. All UAE citizens and residents must apply for it by filling the eForm at one of the authorized typing centers or through the online form available on website of Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (FAIC).
Each Emirates ID has an electronic chip that can store up to 32,000 letters of information. The stored information can be encrypted in order to protect the privacy of card holders and prevent unauthorized third-parties from stealing it for malicious purposes.
By switching to a modern smart identity card, the UAE is taking yet another step on its smart-city journey. Both citizens and residents can look forward to a number of benefits, including easier access to government services, less time spent at airports, and more.
Those who have registered for smart gates at airports in the UAE can pass through them by simply looking at the green light on top of the camera to verify the biometric information contained within the Emirates ID chip.
Also Read: How To Change The Mobile Number On Your Emirates ID
The replacement of residence vista stamps by Emirates ID has been made possible by the last update of the advanced card, which was introduced in August 2021 by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA).
The update added several new features, including a laser-printed 3D picture, additional fields and codes definition, advanced technical characteristics, and increased data protection. The latest generation of Emirates ID cards is made using polycarbonate that should last more than 10 years and survive countless washing machine accidents and other horrors that cards typically go through.
News
Google Launches Flow And Gemini Photo-To-Video In MENA
Creators in the Middle East and North Africa can now use Gemini to turn photos into short videos, and access Google’s new AI filmmaking tool, Flow.

Google has rolled out new AI-powered creative tools across the Middle East and North Africa, including a photo-to-video feature in Gemini and the regional launch of its AI filmmaking platform, Flow.
The photo-to-video tool is available to Gemini Advanced users on Pro and Ultra plans. It allows users to transform still images into animated, sound-enhanced video clips up to eight seconds long. To use the feature, users select “Videos” from the Gemini prompt menu, upload an image, and describe the desired animation and audio. The tool then generates a short video that can be shared or downloaded directly from the interface.
Designed to animate static moments, the feature supports a range of creative use cases — from bringing illustrations and paintings to life to adding movement to everyday scenes or natural landscapes.
Alongside this, Google is launching Flow: a more advanced platform for AI-assisted video creation. Built on Google’s Veo, Imagen, and Gemini models, Flow is designed for both professional filmmakers and beginners looking to build scenes, experiment with visuals, or explore new storytelling formats.
Flow includes tools such as:
- Camera Controls for setting motion paths, angles, and perspectives.
- Scenebuilder for extending or linking shots with smooth transitions and consistent subjects.
- Asset Management for organizing prompts and generated material.
Also Read: Getting Started With Google Gemini: A Beginner’s Guide
Flow is now accessible in Arabic and across MENA markets. Google reports over 40 million Veo 3 video generations have been made across Gemini and Flow in the past seven weeks alone. All content includes a visible AI watermark and an invisible SynthID marker to ensure traceability.
Both Flow and Gemini’s photo-to-video tools are available through Google’s subscription-based AI tiers.
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